What To Know About Living in Corpus Christi: Start Fresh in the Sparkling City by the Sea
Texas
Want a taste of Texan Gulf Coast living? Corpus Christi might just be calling your name. As one of the best places in Texas for year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming community, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to make the move. Our guide to living in Corpus Christi breaks down everything from the best neighborhoods to local hotspots and the best things to do. But first, some quick facts.
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Corpus Christi at a Glance
- Geographic location: Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is in South Texas.
- City size: The city spans an area of approximately 460 square miles.
- Population: Corpus Christi has a population of 315,600 residents.
- Median age: The median age is right around 36 years old.
18 Things To Know About Living in Corpus Christi, TX
Is Corpus Christi a good place to live? With a prime location on the sunny South Texas coast, you might start to wonder if there are any downsides to life in Corpus Christi. Nicknamed the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” this Gulf Coast gem brings affordability, career opportunities, and breezy beach living together seamlessly. But before you pack up the moving truck, let’s break down everything you need to know about living in Corpus Christi.
1. The Cost of Living in Corpus Christi Is Affordable Compared to Other Waterfront Locales
With a score of 83.5, the cost of living in Corpus Christi is 11.4 percent lower than the state average of 94.2 and 16.5 percent lower than the national average index of 100. The overall affordability is one of the main benefits of living in Corpus Christi. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to make, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator:
- A single person living alone would need an annual income of $42,300 before taxes.
- A family of four with two working adults would need an annual income of $96,100 before taxes.
But there’s a large difference between covering basic expenses and living comfortably. So, what salary is needed to live comfortably in Corpus Christi, Texas? SmartAsset recommends that 50 percent of your budget be allocated to cover basic needs, 30 percent to entertainment and fun, and 20 percent to pay down debt, invest, and save. So, by applying that 50/30/20 budget to MIT’s living wage estimate, the same annual salary before taxes for a single person living alone would come out to $84,600, while the amount for a family of four with two working adults would come out to $192,200.
| Q: Is it expensive to live in Corpus Christi, TX? A: No, living in Corpus Christi is not considered expensive compared to the state and national average. |
2. Living in Corpus Christi — Pros and Cons
Pros of Living in Corpus Christi
- Easy beach access
- Affordable homes
- Natural beauty
- Amazing seafood and other dining options
Cons of Living in Corpus Christi
- Easy beach access
- Affordable homes
- Natural beauty
- Amazing seafood and other dining options
| Q: What to know before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas? A: Get ready for some intense heat and gather your hurricane supplies while reaping the benefits of living in Corpus Christi. And enjoy that serene coastal atmosphere! |
In Corpus Christi, you’ll find a wide variety of housing options — from affordable inland dwellings to pricey waterfront properties.
3. Take a Look at the Corpus Christi Housing Market
The average price for a home in Corpus Christi is $218,500. With its beautiful coastline and outdoor scenery, the homes in the Corpus Christi housing market offer stellar views. Both functional and stylish, those checking out the real estate market can expect to come across homes with airy and open interiors with lots of natural lighting.
You’ll find a nice mix of affordable and not-so-affordable throughout the city. You’ll find smaller, inland options for as low as $80,000, all the way up to waterfront properties on Padre Island for as much as $1.5M. Mid-priced neighborhoods, of course, will be the closest to the average home value.
Expensive Neighborhoods in Corpus Christi:
- Southside
- Mustang-Padre Island
- Bay Area
Affordable Neighborhoods in Corpus Christi:
- Central City
- Northwest
- Flour Bluff
4. Apartments & Renting in Corpus Christi: Here’s What To Expect
When it comes to finding an apartment in Corpus Christi, you’ll find that the average rent varies — particularly by neighborhood. Expensive neighborhoods, like the Bay Area, have rent prices as high as $1,225, while affordable neighborhoods, like Flour Bluff, have rent prices for just over $950. You will see that mid-priced neighborhoods in Corpus Christi have rent prices closer to the average in the city, which is right around $1,175.
Compared to other Gulf Coast cities — like Clearwater, FL, where the average rent is $1,850 — pretty much any neighborhood in Corpus Christi is affordable.
5. The 3 Best Places To Live in Corpus Christi Right Now
No matter where you’re moving from or what you’re looking for, there’s a neighborhood in Corpus Christi for you to call home.
Flour Bluff
Flour Bluff is one of the best neighborhoods in Corpus Christi for families, situated just off the Kennedy Causeway that connects to Padre Island, amongst a diverse community. The Flour Bluff Independent School District has an A-rating from Niche and comes with plenty of great schooling options, no matter your kid’s age. Get the kids outside at nearby parks, including Parker Park and Waldron Park, and enjoy the playgrounds or picnic areas. Though small, there’s plenty this neighborhood has to offer its residents, including easy access to the beachfront and Downtown Corpus Christi.
Downtown
Is the city center calling your name? Downtown Corpus Christi is great for young professionals. Known for its variety of events and places to explore, especially in the Marina Arts District. Everything from major festivals and family-friendly markets to small businesses and grocery stores. Despite the hubbub, you’ll find serenity among the myriad of apartment buildings and condos — all with the convenience of city living in a beach town.
Portland
As one of the best areas for retirees, many of the homes in Portland were built during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s and are situated on bluffs overlooking Sunset Lake, Corpus Christi Bay, and Nueces Bay. This area is known for its various events, such as the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the monthly farmers’ market hosted every first Saturday.
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, is the only university in the country that’s located on its own island.
(Source: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi via Facebook)
6. Moving to Corpus Christi Means Access to Great Schools & Higher Education
Families thinking of moving to Corpus Christi can rely on the area’s many great schools. Some of the top school districts in the area include the Port Aransas Independent School District and the London Independent School District.
When it comes to higher education opportunities in the area, options are a bit more limited, though they are close to home. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi is one of the best local options you can find, along with Del Mar Community College.
7. The Corpus Christi Job Market Comes With Stability
The city of Corpus Christi plays a vital role in the state's economic development. With major logistical contributors nearby, like the Port of Corpus Christi, it’s able to maintain a diverse and stable industrial landscape. The oil and gas industry is a major contributor to Corpus Christi's economic strength, and it is home to some of the country's most prominent companies, such as Valero and CITGO.
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi is another stable source of employment in the area, plus the Corpus Christi Medical Center. With so much tourism, you can also count on retail and food service jobs always being in high demand.
8. Public Transportation Is a Breeze in Corpus Christi
Navigating the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, by car is easy with easy access via Interstate 37, US 77, Highway 44, and US 181. The city's transportation authority, the CCRTA, also has a variety of bus lines that serve the city.
9. Corpus Christi Comes With Coastal Climate & Weather
Corpus Christi's climate is subtropical, characterized by hot weather and muggy conditions. During the summer season, the city experiences high temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, during the winter season, mild temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit are common.
Since you’re living on the Gulf Coast, you’ll have to get comfortable with hurricane season and preparing for storms to hit.
| Q: Do hurricanes hit Corpus Christi? A: Yes, hurricanes hit Corpus Christi, though only three major storms have hit the area in the last 125 years. Despite that, you should be prepared. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year, and having a hurricane kit on hand is always advised. |
10. Corpus Christi’s Crime Rate Can Feel a Little Alarming at First
Is Corpus Christi safe? Compared to other communities of similar size, Corpus Christi has a crime score of five, meaning it’s safer than just five percent of other U.S. cities. The overall crime rate is 40 per 1,000 residents, with one’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is one in 25.
While the city’s overall crime rate might seem alarming, keep in mind that the higher amounts of crime are concentrated in certain areas, and you can still find safe pockets within the city. Here are the best areas to live and places you should avoid:
Safest Neighborhoods:
- Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
- Tierra Grande
- Padre Island South
Neighborhoods With the Most Crime:
- Central City
- Gardendale
- Temple Park
Corpus Christi is home to Padre Island, the world’s longest barrier island.
(Source: Visit Corpus Christi via Facebook)
11. The Best Things To Do in Corpus Christi, TX
- Easy beach access: Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, the city's beaches are known for their year-round activities, including fishing, surfing, and relaxing by the water. Those who live here can take advantage of the area's many coastal attractions, such as North Beach and Mustang Island.
- Experience the local history: The massive aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Lexington, was used during World War II. Nowadays, it's a museum located on the Bay, and it allows visitors to experience what it was like to be on a wartime vessel. Some of the museum’s modern features include a 3D MEGA Theater, an escape room, and a flight simulator.
- Catch a performance: The Harbor Playhouse — one of the oldest continuously-performing theaters in Texas — presents classic and contemporary shows year-round.
- Check out a local festival: Another popular event that's held every October is the Texas Jazz Festival, which takes place at Heritage Park and features performances from all over the world.
- Water sports run deep: The city is home to a yacht racing team that’s been sailing Corpus Christi Bay for more than 60 years. Catch one of their events at Corpus Christi Marina Downtown.
- Baseball fans unite: Catch a Hooks game at Whataburger Field — a reimagined cotton warehouse on the city’s waterfront that’s now the mainstay for many events. Yes, baseball games, but also concerts, wrestling matches, and local street festivals.
- Shopping opportunities: The She Shed is a great local boutique if you love colors and bohemian elements in your home, clothing, and more. Sew Bonita is another great local option for unique, handmade gifts. You can also register for a sewing class.
12. Corpus Christi Is Known as One of the Best Vacation Spots in the Country
What is Corpus Christi known for? The answer is being one of the best and most underrated vacation spots in the entire country. With over 80 miles of shoreline, two marinas, and warm weather most days of the year, the city is a renowned vacation destination.
Both residents and tourists alike get their fair share of fun, no matter the time of year. Enjoy a drive down the waterfront, looking for shells on the beach, a climb on the observation towers at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and birdwatching (Corpus Christi has been aptly-named the “Birdiest City in America”).
13. Foodies Unite in Corpus Christi
One of the best local favorites is Doc's Seafood & Steaks, where you can have your freshly caught fish cleaned and filleted after a day on the water. You can also enjoy live music and a full bar on the waterfront deck every day of the week.
Seafood isn’t the only catch, though; other establishments, like Andy’s Country Kitchen, serve up home-cooked southern favorites, like pork chops and gumbo. There for breakfast? Have your pick from classic country favorites, like biscuits and gravy, or Mexican classics, like breakfast enchiladas or huevos rancheros — a true Texan dining experience.
14. Nature Lovers Rejoice on the City’s Waterfront
The South Texas Botanical Garden & Nature Center features a wide variety of animals and plants, several bloom-filled conservatories, and a butterfly house that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the winged creatures that flutter around the gardens.
Another one of the most popular areas in Corpus Christi is the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve, a 162-acre nature preserve complete with a learning center, a playground, and two miles of trails built to help you learn about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.
15. Selena Still Reigns Supreme in Corpus Christi
You can’t discuss Corpus Christi without mentioning its most beloved star: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. A Mexican-American singer known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” she was regarded as one of the most influential Latin artists of the 20th century, and that influence still shines through today.
Before her untimely passing, she called the city home, and her legacy has since been woven into the city’s identity. You can pay your respects at Seaside Memorial Park, or visit the Selena Museum and check out her recording studio (that’s still fully operational), memorabilia, and various awards.
Thousands of people flock to Corpus Christi's waters every year for some of the world's best saltwater fishing.
(Source: Visit Corpus Christi via Facebook)
16. Hooked Yet? Corpus Christi Is a Fishing Mecca
Thousands of people flock to Corpus Christi's waters every year for some of the world's best saltwater fishing. The most common species that people can catch are redfish, black drum, and flounder, but some rarer finds still abound — think marlin, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish.17. Water Sports Galore Is Part of the Package
Corpus Christi isn’t just any other beach town. Thanks to its famously breezy conditions, this coastal city is a hotspot for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Pro tip: If you’re a windsurfer, Bird Island Basin is the place to be — it’s considered one of the best windsurfing spots in the entire U.S.18. Live Music Is Not Hard To Come By in Corpus Christi
The fun never runs out when living in Corpus Christi — especially if you love live music. The Executive Surf Club is a great place to meet up with local musicians and sample the city's best draft beer, and if you're craving some great food and Texas Country music, you can also check out Brewster Street Ice House. Another one of the most popular places for big music festivals and concerts in Corpus Christi is the Concrete Street Amphitheatre, which is an outdoor venue with seating for over 10,000.
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Interested in the Lone Star State, but not set on a certain city? Check out our other city guides to help with your move to Texas: |
Let PODS Help You With Moving to Corpus Christi
Have a portable moving and storage container delivered for your move to Corpus Christi — right to your driveway. With the help of PODS, you’ll be able to pack and load at your own pace, have it picked up, and then delivered right to your new home. A month of storage is built into the cost of every PODS move, so there’s no rush to get your things organized and settled into your new space.
Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call (855) 706-4758 for long-distance moving.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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